Sepang in Malaysia will host a Formula 1 race in October 2026, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The round replaces the cancelled Bahrain Grand Prix from earlier this year after unrest in the Gulf state left the calendar with a gap.

Sepang has not staged an F1 race since 2017, and returning Grand Prix racing comes with a long task list.

Organisers are bracing for questions over whether the circuit can be prepared on schedule after years of slow progress.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Sepang has been cautious about restarting major international events, which has raised eyebrows among fans.

If preparations stall before race weekend, organisers reserves the right to cancel, and Imola in Italy is sitting on standby if needed.

The October date is framed as a fresh start for Southeast Asian motorsport, though getting to the chequered flag remains heavily dependent on progress.

Tickets and detailed schedules have not yet been released, and confirmed logistics are expected in the coming weeks.

Fans tracking the F1 calendar will be watching closely as the countdown to race day unfolds.